I'm not so sure - part of this organization's success is that everyone from the players to the manager to the GM buys into the idea of analytics and maximizing every little edge they can get (yes, they took it too far). Hinch was brilliant at getting the most of out of his players and analytics likely played a part into that. I'm not sure Dusty Baker is that kind of manager and I'm not sure he will maximize everyone's talent.
Just to be clear, I would prefer the hiring of someone that is younger or more progressive. Hell, I would like Hinch as the manager. However, I don't think Dusty will make a big difference as long as he isn't over bearing on the pitching staff. At his last couple stops Baker has incorporated more analytics. The REALLY REALLY important hiring will not be the manager, but the GM.
Dusty buys into analytics now. I think what he won't be up for is having a GM tell him lineups or having pitching changes dictated to him.
Dusty has changed with the times. The way he managed 25 years is very different than how he manages now. I don't agree with everything he does and he will say weird things "All men on base do is clog the bases", but he will be fine. He is a very stable and a consistent person and manager.
Supposed to be a short term deal. I take some comfort in it being a short term deal, as that is possible an indication that Crane is just doing what he needs to do short term.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...-baker-houston-astros-mlb-manager/4613200002/ The Houston Astros reached an agreement Wednesday to hire Dusty Baker to be their new manager, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the Astros had not yet announced the hire. Houston is signing Baker to a short-term contract and hoping he will help lead them through their most tumultuous time in the wake of their cheating scandal. The Astros, who fired manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow for their roles in the scandal, also are expected to have a shake-up of their coaching staff. The Astros will turn next to their GM search, with Peter Woodfork, MLB’s vice president of baseball operations, emerging as the leading contender. The Astros also have interviewed former San Francisco Giants GM Bobby Evans. Baker, 70, was chosen among a field of nine managerial candidates, including veterans Buck Showalter, John Gibbons, Jeff Banister and Brad Ausmus.
Jim Crane bathing in all this positive PR Except her... https://twitter.com/kateefeldman/status/1222638198876262401
don't mind this at all. and for just 1 year plus the option. The astros were going to be good regardless of who became the new manager this year. everyone can just get a feel of how he fits and reassess at season's end
Agree. He is a likable guy, good interview. I think the short-term, steady hand on the wheel during what will be a turbulent season was the right choice. I may have preferred Bannister, but I am also fine with Dusty. My biggest concern... he has never managed in the AL. So both knowing the game strategy unique to the AL, plus he has less knowledge of AL teams and players... but again, that's also why he will have guys on the coaching staff.
